BMW R 18, “The Wal”: a distinctive new creation [PHOTO]

“The Wal” by the Japanese customizer Shinya Kimura is the project of a unique example starting from one BMW R 18 over the course of the series “SoulFuel”, the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and some customizers. It follows the equally interesting creations designed by Roland Sands and Dirk Oehlerking.

The specialised farming model

Shinya Kimura mainly dealt with more traditional models, but has recently started to dedicate himself to more current bikes.
A project defined by talent “hands-on” of the Japanese customizer and linked to a precise idea: a “animal specimen”, a powerful motorbike but “good-natured”. It features a special finish resulting from the use of bronze colored powder paint, placed after the components have been hammered providing texture to the surface. Once the bodywork was defined, the symbolic shape of the standard series exhaust was confirmed, but painted black.

An example of “Sports Endurancer”, characterized by a larger tank and different in terms of aesthetics compared to the original, having a greater capacity of approximately one gallon and moving the seat position backwards. This is defined in such a way as to propose an elongated and harmonious position, up to the rounded rear light. The shell saddle cushion is designed by Kimura himself and handmade by Backdrop Leathers in Japan.
The handlebars are eight inches narrower and 6 inches lower, as reported. Furthermore, a semi-shell fairing is highlighted which embraces two headlights placed asymmetrically and which seem to recall the image of a whale, together with the "toothed" motif visible underneath. Also noteworthy is the design of the side covers so as not to affect the view of the original chassis.

Photo: BMW Motorrad – BMW Group